BUFFALO, N.Y. — Barbara Glover better known as Miss Barbara has been dancing almost her entire life. She is now 75.
"My mother enrolled me in dance school at an early age. I think it was 5 years old. It actually was recommended by the doctor because I was a bowlegged little girl," Glover said
Her love of dance grew and she showcased her talent by teaching.
"I started with 12 students and from there it grew," she said. "My strongest area was tap, and I taught the younger ones because I wanted them to have a good foundation."
Glover sat down for interview about her career with Channel 2's Claudine Ewing for the program commUNTY on WGRZ-TV.
Over the years, Miss Barbara choreographed many productions for sororities, pageants. Her most memorable show was the Wiz, put on by students at Buffalo's McKinley High School.
Glover was the second Black woman to own and operate a dance school in the City of Buffalo.
"I think that all children should have dance in their in their life, not to be dancers, but it's like going to school. You have to take math and geography, so dance should be and is an education. It's not just something you should do with children on Saturday morning," she said.
"There are so many benefits derived from dance training that have nothing to do with lights, camera action."
To say she was strict, is likely true.
"The kids call me a drill Sergeant," she said with a smile. "You practice and practice and practice until you get it right."
Over her career, which spanned nearly six decades, she has seen changes.
"Fifty-seven years ago there wasn't technology like it is today," Glover said. "The technique, the dedication, the commitment, all of those things are required for dance, and that's the part that is lacking."
She takes pride in seeing her former students continue to dance. Some have choreographed major productions.
Matthew Clark of Clark Academy worked closely with Miss Barbara.
"She's left a legacy of not just dancers, but good human beings," Clark said.
Deatra Dee Paris is a former student who said because of Miss Barbara she has "a ball full of confidence, personality, poise, and I know how to be congenial."